Chapter 20
How could she? She just couldn’t leave a living person to die, even if it was a stranger-she would have helped.
But after helping him, Aaliyah didn’t want to see Claude for another second.
So regarding Claude’s questioning, she didn’t want to explain anything.
“We’re divorced. Whether I’m dating, in love, or remarrying-none of it’s your business. Claude, don’t stay in my house. You’re not welcome here.”
She opened the door as she spoke.
Claude’s heart hurt even more. He’d imagined countless scenarios, but he never thought Aaliyah would be this heartless, treating him like a complete stranger.
He stared at her, his voice full of pain.
“Aaliyah, I know Caroline pissed you off before. I already made her pay for what she did to you. I know I fucked up too. I never stopped loving you-never. Aaliyah, please come back with me. I know you still love me, you’re just angry right now. I can wait for you. I can prove every single word I’m saying is true.”
‘Aaliyah, don’t abandon me. You love me so much-don’t you?”
If this had happened before, Aaliyah probably would have been over the moon to hear Claude talk to her like this. After all, throughout their marriage, she wa always the one walking on eggshells around him. Even when she wanted a kiss, she’d have to beg him for ages before he’d graciously give her one.
Now he was finally swallowing his pride, done playing those stupid games-but it was too late.
Aaliyah said nothing. She just forcibly pushed him out the door and slammed it shut in his face.
nside, Leroy watched Aaliyah’s expression, and after confirming she had no special reaction, he smiled.
The soup really was for me, not a show for the ex-husband?”
Hearing this teasing, Aaliyah laughed.
I’m not that petty-using stuff like that to mess with people or hurt them. Love is love. The soup is for you. You’ve helped me a lot.”
Well then, I won’t hold back. I’m not leaving a single drop-it’s all mine.” Leroy chuckled softly, not mentioning what had just happened, as if Claude was just ome passerby who’d slept over one night and left.
He brought the soup to the table and ate it spoonful by spoonful. Leroy wasn’t lying-he really didn’t leave a drop, almost licking the pot clean. Even the regetables in it were completely finished.
his attitude made Aaliyah couldn’t help but compare him to Claude. In the past, no matter what she made for Claude, he would only take one bite. No matter How much she pleaded, he wouldn’t take a second bite, making her constantly think her cooking wasn’t good enough.
Jut now, seeing someone treat her efforts with such appreciation, Aaliyah couldn’t help but smile.
eroy was very considerate-after finishing the soup, he washed the dishes himself and offered to drive Aaliyah to the studio.
he didn’t refuse and got in Leroy’s car to go to the studio. When her colleagues saw her arrive with Leroy, they all gave knowing looks, but she didn’t bother xplaining and just sat at her desk.
laire walked over. “Aaliyah, someone came looking for you yesterday. Seemed like he wanted you to design something. He left his contact info-want to give
im a call?”
Aaliyah nodded. Though the studio was running smoothly now, everyone definitely wanted as many clients as possible, so even vague potential customers were worth considering.
Aaliyah took the paper with the number Claire had written down. After finishing her current work, she found a quiet spot to make the call:
The phone only rang twice before someone picked up. Aaliyah hadn’t expected such a quick response and was momentarily stunned, but she maintained her professionalism.
Hello, this is Aaliyah from the studio. I understand you’re interested in having something designed?”
There was no response from the other end. The silence went on for a while, and just as Aaliyah was about to speak again, a low, hoarse voice came through.
Pound Cees My Way
er 21
